The holidays are indeed upon us… And getting back to my original plan this month, I am honored to feature amazing businesses in the coming weeks that deserve high praise for not only the “beauties” they sell but also to celebrate the mission behind their brand.

This Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning for me as a single mom, so I am excited to share about a thoughtful company that empowers the working woman to experience financial reward and personal freedom as a result of unique international partnerships.

It is a joy to talk with my dear friend Kirsten Dickerson, Co-Founder of Raven and Lily, for this post.
We have known each other for over 20 years from our Pi Beta Phi sorority days, so it a blessing to watch her business thrive as she changes lives everyday. Her vision to offer trend-forward fair trade fashion, accessories, and home furnishings to empower women on a global scale truly inspires me.

Here is a little Q and A with Kirsten.

J- What was your inspiration behind Raven and Lily?

K- My inspiration behind Raven + Lily is the value of women. I believe in dignity oriented opportunity for women, and I know that when women are empowered, they will invest in their families and communities. I created a lifestyle brand that would provide the Western women with products that reflect the beauty and culture of the women who made them. We think about the impact on people and the planet at every stage of production and follow fair trade standards. Our customers are part of the beautiful redemptive stories of hope unfolding in the lives of the women who make our designs.

K- We are modern, yet organic. I love neutrals, texture, minimalism and a little bling. I believe in designing things for fashion and the home you can love for years and aren’t dictated by trends. All materials used in Raven + Lily designs are natural and sustainably sourced.

J- Could you tell us a bit about your heart for philanthropy and vision for sustainable fashion?

K– With every purchase, our customers are helping to provide fair trade employment for at risk women. With every purchase, our customers are also helping to donate back to help provide micro loans for HIV+ women who have graduated from a business skills training program. At every stage of our production process, we think through the impact on people and the planet…as far back as the buttons and where cotton is sourced. We want to know the story behind our designs so that our customer can be confident they are having a positive and not negative impact with their purchase.

Statistically, fashion is the second largest polluter, 1 in 6 people are employed in the industry, less than 3% earn a livable wage, and 80% are women. These stats are heart-breaking, but I’m in the business of breaking that negative impact and proving that it is possible to produce beautiful products that empower women and protect our beautiful world.

J- What tips would give others to keep in mind this holiday season when shopping?

K- Slow down, and look for opportunities to gift, dress, and decorate thoughtfully this holiday season. It takes time, but its possible to do this. There are so many wonderful companies and products that do good in the world now. If you don’t know where to start, try this excellent of social good companies http://www.thegoodtrade.com

J- What is your favorite piece in the store right now (if you had to choose one)?

K- Well, my husband, Brandon Dickerson, is a film-maker and current director at Laity Lodge. His most recent movie, “Amanda and Jack Go Glamping” was filmed at our former glamping retreat, Green Acres, outside Austin and was just released. You can download and watch it this week! Our son is also an aspiring film-maker and my daughter wants to be a culinary artist. So I guess its safe to say we are a family of artists who really love movies and nature.

Now, don’t let the title fool you, I know good and well most of us are doing some kind of shopping this Black Friday. However, I am trying to make it as easy and quick as possible so you can get back to laying on the couch with family and respecting your time to give thanks.

Above are tons of sales, both locally and nationally, and their links to guide you through your shopping experience. And to make things one step easier for you, I’ve added a SHOP tab to my site with easy to snag options for gifts under $100, for him, for you and for the family!

For those of you still needing to get out and face the crowds… Here are some tips on making your excursion a little less painful:

Do all the ONLINE shopping you can first, before trying to get out and about. And don’t forget to take advantage of free shipping and gift wrapping, it is such a time saver in the long run!

When going out to the stores make sure to prepare like a momma. Bring snacks and water to keep your pulse and blood sugar going with you!

Don’t feel like you need to do it all. Splurge on a nanny for the kids so you can shop child free.

Better yet, make it a girls day! Meet up with your friends and throw a relaxing lunch in between stores.

Always remember to dress for trying on! This sounds silly, and though you might not be shopping for yourself, it is always something to keep in mind. Wear a regular bra, not a sports bra, and cami so you can easily slip on and off tops. Think comfortable shoes and make sure to have on bottoms (not a dress).

Take advantage of curbside pickups at stores like Nordstrom’s. You can shop ahead of time and roll right up to snag your bags.

Be willing to valet park (or prepare for walking). It is a good way to shed those newly added turkey pounds!

Prioritize. Don’t think you will make it to every store on your list. Know the top things you want to score deals on and go for those first. Anything else is a bonus and a pat on your back!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! And happy shopping to those brave souls out there.

When it comes to the holidays we are all great at dressing the turkey for dinner or our trees with lights and garland. Somewhere we often don’t have the best of luck though, is with our holiday outfitting! If you are anything like me, you want to look put together for all those random photos your parents are sure to take and attempt to post on Facebook… But at the same time that means fighting the urge to throw on your grunge sweats after a long week of preparing food and gifts and table settings and so on and so fourth.

So this year, I’m letting you all in on a little secret of mine – the art of holiday outfitting!

The trick I have learned is that having the correct outfit for working hard in the kitchen (or pretending to nap on the couch) is in the shoes. I suggest going for a flat or wedge for extra support. Use this day as a time to go all out with the denim. I decked my holiday dress with a pair of funky frayed legged skinnies. They are super comfortable and still give off a done-up look. Lastly, and what I think elevates most looks, is going for a top that pops. This jewel toned top is a nice light fabric perfect for running around but also looks great when you are needing that extra touch!

Working with minimal jewelry is also a good way to keep your look simple yet sweet. I usually stick to gold, like my ring and bracelet, around the holidays as it always feels just a touch more festive to me for some reason.

It’s 11:23 pm, and I am just siting down to draft this post after a crazy-pants day. You know the ones—when you pile laundry upon work upon dinner upon kid duties upon bills and so on… It is the holiday season after all! But somehow I have tremendous energy and passion left to share how thankful I am that you are a part of my life and the Forever Styled Community. Without your support as a faithful client, diligent reader and/or dear friend, I wouldn’t be the same!

Since the month of November often warrants expressing gratitude and appreciation for the key influencers and blessings of our lives, I am excited to share insight on some of my favorite boutiques and why their vision for fashion is changing the local style scene as we enter the busy holiday season.

But, before we launch into that upcoming “love fest”, God has given me some insight I thought appropriate to share before we get out our mega Christmas lists and overstuffed turkeys, become irrational towards the person who steals our parking space during black Friday, or suffer from an egg nog hangover. Not to preach, but let’s not succumb to the madness this year, shall we? How can we reign the in crazy and actually enjoy the time with loved ones and friends instead of stressing out and making ourselves nuts?

Here are some ways I am planning to stand out like Clark Grizzwald {you MUST watch Christmas Vacation if you have no idea what I am talking about} but without the 2000 strands of lights…..

1.} Approach the holiday season by setting your intension. Plan out your shopping with a budget in mind and stick to it. Don’t allow wish lists to pressure you to invest in things you cannot afford. For me, this year is about creating new traditions with my kids like cooking family recipes together, watching classic Christmas shows, sleeping {a lot—which is not common for me!} and playing a ton of ping pong. I also hope to gift more “experiences” than legos and xbox games this year. Just last week I had the pleasure of meeting my new friend Blue in the horse ring during my recent Charismatic Cowgirl experience with friends at Sandra De Robinson’s gorgeous ranch. Who knew a horse could be telepathic? This “blew” my mind…no pun intended.

2.} Bless others by practicing random acts of kindness. My personal goal is to do something thoughtful and creative for someone I don’t know every day until Dec 31st. I am journaling about people’s reactions and so far—I am in awe. For example, today I found a penny with the year of my birth on it while I was filling up my car. I ended up giving it to the man across my view. He smiled HUGE, and said thank you. Once nestled in his car, he turned and hugged his wife after showing her his lucky prize. Tomorrow I plan to buy for the person behind me in the Starbucks line. Scatter joy…it is contagious.

3.} Extend Grace to Yourself if you burn the turkey or holiday ham. Most of us put too much pressure on ourselves to cook the perfect meal, outfit the best dressed home and body, and maintain composure with that 5th glass of cabernet. Avoid feeling bad if you burn the bird or anything else for that matter—order take out and get over it. Life is short. As long as your clothes are on and clean and your belly has food in it… Be happy. Give yourself grace when things get out of sorts or your hair is on fire. You deserve a break this season. Remember to silence the voice that says you aren’t enough and eat that giant slice of pie.

Hope these quick tips bring light and harmony to your home and heart this month. What are your tips for thriving during the holidays? Do share…